Description:

Pre-Columbian, West Mexico, Colima, ca. 300 BCE to 300 CE. Finely carved from a single piece of mottled grey stone, an anthropomorphic mortar with a concave ovoid body, angled 'shoulders', and a rounded head delineated with petite round hollows for eyes, a straight nose, and a concave open mouth. The figural element suggests that this mortar was not merely a utilitarian object, but rather a ceremonial piece most likely used by shamans oriests in sacred rituals. The Colima sculptural tradition is known for its vast array of human and animal figures, usually pottery figures - hunchbacks, drinkers, priests and shamans - shown in a wide array of poses, stone figural works like this example are more unusual. A rare human effigy stone mortar of an attractive abstract form, replete with powerful symbolic and historic value. Custom stand. Size: 9" W x 13.875" H (22.9 cm x 35.2 cm); 16.5" H (41.9 cm) on stand

Provenance: Ex-Peter Arnovick Collection, San Francisco, CA

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#117388

  • Condition: Surface wear as shown, else intact and near choice.

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October 10, 2016 7:00 AM MDT
Louisville, CO, US

Artemis Fine Arts

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